This medication should not be used for weight loss. Normal doses of this medication will not work for weight loss, and large doses of this medication may cause serious, possibly fatal side effects, especially when taken with diet pills.

Levothyroxine is used to treat an underactive thyroid gland (hypothyroidism). It replaces or provides more thyroid hormone, which is normally produced by the thyroid gland. Low thyroid hormone levels can occur naturally or when the thyroid gland is injured by radiation/medications or removed by surgery. Having enough thyroid hormone is important for normal mental and physical activity. In children, having enough thyroid hormone is important for normal mental and physical development.

This medication is also used to treat other types of thyroid disorders (such as certain types of goiters, thyroid cancer).

This medication should not be used to treat infertility unless it is caused by low thyroid hormone levels.

Read the Patient Information Leaflet and Instructions for Use if available from your pharmacist before you start taking levothyroxine and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

Take this medication by mouth as directed by your doctor, usually once daily on an empty stomach, 30 minutes to 1 hour before breakfast. This medication may be taken by first mixing it in water, or it may be taken directly (without water).

To take it by mixing in water, open the ampule as directed. Then turn the ampule upside down and slowly squeeze the soft (middle) part of the ampule to empty the contents into a glass or cup of water. Release pressure and wait a few seconds. Repeat squeezing and releasing the ampule at least 5 times, until no more liquid comes out of the ampule. Stir the solution and drink all of the liquid right away. Rinse the glass or cup with more water and drink to make sure you have taken all the medicine. Do not prepare a supply ahead of time.

To take this medication directly, slowly squeeze the soft (middle) part of the open ampule to empty the contents into the mouth or onto a spoon. Release pressure and wait a few seconds. Repeat squeezing and releasing the ampule at least 5 times, until no more liquid comes out of the ampule. Take all of the liquid right away.

The dosage is based on your age, weight, medical condition, and response to treatment.

Use this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, take it at the same time each day.

Do not stop taking this medication without consulting your doctor. Thyroid replacement treatment is usually taken for life.

There are different brands of levothyroxine available. Do not change brands without first consulting your doctor or pharmacist.

Certain medications (such as cholestyramine, colestipol, colesevelam, antacids, sucralfate, simethicone, iron, sodium polystyrene sulfonate, calcium supplements, orlistat, sevelamer, among others) can decrease the amount of thyroid hormone that is absorbed by your body. If you are taking any of these drugs, separate them from this medication by at least 4 hours.

Symptoms of low thyroid hormone levels include tiredness, muscle aches, constipation, dry skin, weight gain, slow heartbeat, or sensitivity to cold. Tell your doctor if your condition does not get better or if it gets worse after several weeks of taking this medication.

Hair loss may occur during the first few months of treatment. This effect is usually temporary as your body adjusts to this medication. If this effect lasts or gets worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.

Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.

Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects, including:

increased sweating

sensitivity to heat

mental/mood changes (such as nervousness, mood swings)

tiredness

diarrhea

shaking (tremor)

headache

shortness of breath

bone pain

easily broken bones

Get medical help right away if you have any very serious side effects, including:

chest pain

fast/pounding/irregular heartbeat

swelling hands/ankles/feet

seizures

A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including:

rash

itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat)

severe dizziness

trouble breathing

This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

In the US -

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch.

In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

Before taking levothyroxine, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.

If you have diabetes, this drug may affect your blood sugar. Check your blood sugar regularly as directed and share the results with your doctor. Tell your doctor right away if you have symptoms such as increased thirst/urination, shakiness, unusual sweating, dizziness, or hunger. Your doctor may need to adjust your diabetes medication, exercise program, or diet.

Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products).

Children may be more sensitive to certain side effects of this drug, especially headache, vision changes, and hip/leg pain. High thyroid hormone levels may lead to decreased bone development/growth and reduced final adult height. Keep all lab/medical appointments so the doctor can monitor treatment.

Older adults may be more sensitive to the side effects of this drug, especially fast/pounding/irregular heartbeat.

This drug may be used during pregnancy. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant because your doctor may need to change your dose.

Levothyroxine passes into breast milk but is unlikely to harm a nursing infant. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.

If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison control center right away. US residents can call their local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center. Symptoms of overdose may include: fast/pounding/irregular heartbeat, loss of consciousness, confusion, seizures.

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose. Take your next dose at the regular time. Do not double the dose to catch up unless your doctor tells you to do so. Call your doctor if you miss 2 or more doses in a row. Ask your doctor ahead of time what to do about a missed dose and follow your doctor's specific directions.

Store at room temperature away from light and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medications away from children and pets.

Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company.

HOW TO USE THIS INFORMATION: This is a summary and does NOT have all possible information about this product. This information does not assure that this product is safe, effective, or appropriate for you. This information is not individual medical advice and does not substitute for the advice of your health care professional. Always ask your health care professional for complete information about this product and your specific health needs.

Information last revised February 2019.

Copyright(c) 2019 First Databank, Inc.

Selected from NATIONAL DRUG DATA FILE (NDDF) data included with permission and copyrighted by First Databank, Inc., 2019. This copyrighted material has been downloaded from a licensed data provider.

The above information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your health care professional. You should consult your health care professional before taking any drug, changing your diet, or commencing or discontinuing any course of treatment.